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The legendary actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of aging on her eyesight and memory, stating she frequently finds it hard to remember immediate plans – yet can easily recall long sections of the Bard's work.

"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she stated to the Radio Times.

Her team verified that this kind of help are at times necessary. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

"It's devastating," Dench noted, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "but I can at least hear the questions."

Dench, who turns 91 this week, is leading a new documentary about her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the festive period.

Regarding Friends and Acquittals

Dench also mentioned remaining in touch with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and we are in contact, we text."

Earlier this year, Dench said she needs full-time assistance in public to avoid tripping due to her vision problems. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a progressive issue that is the primary reason of sight loss in the UK.

Coping with New Realities

She has credited the condition with her de facto retirement from acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, adding: "And I can't see to read. But you just deal with it."

"It's challenging if I have a substantial role. I haven't yet found a way. Since I have so many friends who will help me learn the script."

Her last screen credit was a brief part in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; earlier that year she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also earned her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.

A Continued Public Presence

She continues to appear often at events, nevertheless, such as at fundraisers like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. She noted she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would feel it "if permitted."